In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, about 3,600 people die and 3,000 are injured, some of them totally handicapped, every year in road accidents. Even though women don't drive in the Kingdom, they are among the victims, many of whom are workers who have to travel to their worksites. Car accidents in Saudi Arabia claim more lives that the wars in such countries as Palestine each year.
Officials say that these accidents are mainly caused by overspeeding, aggressive driving, drifting and drivers' disregard of traffic rules. Add to these is the poor maintenance of cars, specially of tires and brakes. Drivers' behavior on the road is terrible. Many drivers are impatient, reckless and disregard common road courtesy and consideration for other drivers. As a result, many cars have dents and bump marks. I see at least one accident everyday while driving to work. Many drivers will take the wrong lane, as long as they can get ahead. A car turning right often takes the left lane if is empty or has shorter queue. A car cutting back into the traffic from a filter lane is a common sight. Roundabouts appear like a joke as they often become a free-for-all. Generally, it is the “bravest” driver who often gain advantage. Some get past of others beyond the signal light and wait for those behind him to honk their horns when the light turns green. There are also motorists who will drive against the traffic flow on one-way streets even if it means clogging the road, thus causing greater delay. Everyone wants to reach his destination fast, although there is no need for it. Getting early to one's destination does not necessarily call for speed but the right behavior, which is lacking in the streets of Saudi Arabia. Lack of road courtesy makes driving in Saudi Arabia a nightmarish road fight. Hassan Yosef, by email
